Automatic clamping means for separable rotatable parts



March 22, 1966 R. NOUEL 3,242,24

AUTOMATIC CLAMPING MEANS FOR SEPARABLE ROTA'I'ABLE PARTS Filed Aug. 9,1962 INVENTOR FF/ 2 n2 ROfiQ W Noue/f I AUTOMATIC CLAMPING MEANS FORSEPARABLE ROTATABLE PARTS Robert None], Villejuif, Seine, France,assignor, by mesne assignments, to Inventions Finance Corporation, New

York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 9, 1962, Ser. No.215,982 18 Claims. (Cl. 264311) The present application is acontinuation-in-part of each and all of my copending applications;Serial No. 173,103, filed February 13, 1962, Serial No. 187,480, filedApril 16, 1962, and Serial No. 206,508, filed June 29, 1962.

The present invention relates to apparatus for forming molded or castcomponents, and finds particular utility when applied to so-calledrotational casting or molding machines. However, it is to be understoodfrom the outset that the present invention is applicable to anyapparatus wherein two or more separable components are to be maintainedin engagement during rotation.

In machines of the so-called rotational casting type, two parts, eitherthemselves defining, or carrying means defining, a component formingcavity must be maintained in engagement during rotation. Various meanshave heretofore been suggested for maintaining such parts in engagementduring rotation, but there remains a need for a simple and efficientdevice which can automatically achieve such function.

The present invention is directed to satisfying the aforesaid need, andis particularly concerned with the provisions of automatically operableclamping device-s which are comparatively small and light in weight andyet which serve to maintain the separable parts in engagement duringrotation under substantial clamping pressure.

More specifically, the present invention is directed to the combinationof a clamping means or mechanism such as disclosed in my priorco-pending applications, Serial No. 173,103, filed February 13, 1962,and entitled Hydromechanical Clamp, Serial No. 187,480, filed April 16,1962, and entitled Hydromechanical Clamps, and Serial No. 206,508, filedJune 29, 1962 and entitled High Power Hydromechanical Clamps, and meansfor automatically operating such mechanisms on a rotational castingmachine or the like. In particular, the present invention is directed tothe combination of a high power hydro-mechanical clamping device andhydraulic means for operating the clamping device automatically inresponse to rotation of the rotatable parts of an apparatus on which thecombination is incorporated.

In accordance with my aforesaid prior applications, a hydro-mechanicalclamping device is provided, which in its basic aspects, comprises asupport means having a recess therein, slide means partially slidable inand out of the recess in the support means, fulcrum means on the slidemeans adjacent one end thereof, and a force multiplying lever carried onthe fulcrum means and pivotally movable with respect thereto. Thesupport means is either directly or indirectly engageable with one ofthe parts to be maintained in engagement, and the lever is engageableeither directly or indirectly with the other of the parts, wherebypivoting of the lever about the fulcrum means results in clamping theparts together.

To achieve the desired operation, the slide means of the clamping deviceis preferably provided with a plurality of fluid passageways therein,and piston means are associated therewith so as to automaticallysequentially 3,242,249 Patented Mar. 22, 1966 cause sliding of the slidemeans and pivoting of the lever about the fulcrum means. To this end, aslide control piston is carried by the support means and extends withinthe fluid channels of the slide means, whereby the introduction of fluidwithin the slide means through an inlet to the passageways thereincauses such fluid to act on the slide control piston, thereby causingthe slide means to move into clamping position. With such movement, apassageway to the chamber of the lever actuating piston means is opened,and fluid is passed through into such chamber thereby causing the pistontherein to move in a direction which results in pivoting of the leverabout the fulcrum means in a direction causing clamping thereby. Thefulcrum means is so disposed that the distance between the fulcrum meansand the clamping surface, edge, or face of the lever is substantiallysmaller than the distance between the fulcrum means and the point atwhich the pivoting forces are applied to the lever by the leveractuating piston means.

In accordance with my prior applications, hydraulic fluid is fed to thepassageways within the slide means from an external source which can becontrolled in any suitable manner, but which is preferably controlled bya hydraulic system having electrically operable valves therein. Incontrast, in accordance with the present invention, the feed ofhydraulic fluid to the passageways within the slide means isautomatically controlled by an auxiliary hydraulic piston and cylinderarrangement which causes fluid to be fed under pressure to the inlet ofthe slide means, causing automatic operation. in response to rotation ofthe parts of the apparatus on which the present invention isincorporated.

A primary object of the present invention is to disclose a system,apparatus and method of providing a hydro-mechanical clamping means asdescribed above in combination with an auxiliary piston and cylinderarrangement, (a) which auxiliary piston and cylinder arrangement servesas a feed means for the hydro-mechanical clamping means, and operatesthe clamping means automatically in response to operation of the machineon which the invention is provided, and (b) which is operable throughthe action of centrifugal force. Still further, in this regard, it isanother object of the present invention to provide a system, apparatusand method wherein the action of the centrifugal force not onlyautomatically causes sequential operation of the clamping means, butalso provides for selective and automatic release thereof in response tostopping of the apparatus on which the invention is incorporated.

A still further object of the invention is to provide hydro-mechanicalclamping means adapted to be incorporated on rotational casting machinesor the like with selfoperative automatic feed power means therefor, saidantomatic feed power means being self-contained, self-controlled, andself-operated without requiring any external supply or additional sourceof power. Additionally, it is an object of the invention to provide sucha system, apparatus and method that eliminates in every way anynecessity for the actuation of the clamping mechanism from a mainpressing hydraulic system or section on the apparatus with which it isused. In this latter regard, the invention eliminates the provision ofany high powered hydraulic system or section for pressing the separablecavity defining parts in engagement, and yet serves to effect thenecessary maintaining or clamping force on the molding componentsthrough simple, light, and automatically operable expedients.

The invention lies in the combination, construction, and arrangement ofparts, as well as in certain methods of operation, and will be betterunderstood after referring to the following detailed descriptionthereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawingswherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmental side view, partially in section, showing theinvention as adapted for use with a rotational casting machine, and withthe parts thereof in operative clamping position; and

FIGURE 2 is a fragmental side view, partially in section and similar toFIGURE 1, but showing the parts in the positions assumed immediatelyprior to the start of the clamping operation.

In FIGURE 1, the relative vertically movable mold members or partsdefining a mold cavity or the like are designated by the numerals l and2, and the cavity defined therebetween is generally designated by thenumeral 3. The molding parts 1 and 2 are rotatably supported invertically separable relation, in any desired manner, and either one orboth of the parts can be directly supported. In the illustrativeembodiment shown, a plate member 4 is carried at the upper end of arotatable shaft 5 supported in suitable bearings (not shown). The platemember 4 is suitably coupled with the part 2 in any desired manner, forexample, by means of bolts 6. The shaft 5 carries a drive pulley orcoupling 7 thereon which cooperates with a drive belt 8 extending fromthe drive system of a conventional motor arrangement (not shown).

The illustration of the parts 1 and 2, the support plate 4, therotatable shaft 5, and the drive arrangement including components 7 and8, is merely illustrative and generally schematic. In fact, this sectionof the system is presented merely to facilitate an understanding of theoperation of the invention, and can be widely varied with differentmachines.

In the particular illustrative embodiment shown, the mold sections l and2 are respectively provided with suitable bores 66 and 61 which arealigned when the parts 1 and 2 are in proper engagement, and throughwhich passes the stem 62 of a supporting bolt 64. The head 65 of thesupporting bolt 64 engages the top of the part 1 and the bolt stem 62has a threaded lower end 63 threadably engaged with a block member 29.The block member 20 is recessed and has a forward wall 20a with anopening 20b therein. The block member 26 is closed at the rear endthereof by a plate member 31, secured to the block member 20 by means ofbolts 66. The block member 20 and plate member 31 provide an enclosedslide housing. Plate member 31, moreover, has a horizontally extendingrecess 67 therein forming part of the slide housing.

Slidable partially in and out of the recess 67 is a slide block or slidemember 26. The slide member 26 carries a fulcrum shaft or pin 23 on theupper surface thereof, and a lever member 22 is pivotally supported onthe fulcrum 23 as shown. The lever member 22 has a forwardly projectingclamping edge, face, or abutment 34, and an upwardly projecting hub oroffset portion 38 which is closely spaced to, and tangentiallyengageable with the underside of the upper part of block 20.

Moreover, the slide block 26 is provided with a plurality of passagewaystherein, including the inter-connecting passageways 42, 46, and 43.Still further, the slide block 26 has a downwardly opening recess 49therein which defines the chamber of a piston 28 reciprocal within therecess 49. The piston 28 has an upwardly extending stem 29 whichprojects beyond the upper end of the slide block 26 and through asuitable bore 68 in the lever 22. The stem 29 terminates in a head 69engageable with the walls of a recess 70 in the upper face of the lever22. The stem 29 has a passageway 41 extending partially therethrough,and the piston 28 has an inlet 46 therein, communicating with thepassageway 41. In the stem section 29, the passageway 41 opens into achannel 42 and thereby into the passageway 46. Carried by the platemember 31, and projecting within the recess 67 thereof, is a slidecontrol piston 71. This piston extends through a horizontal bore 72 inthe slide block 26, which bore opens into the passageway 46.

In addition to the above, the clamping means hereof incorporates aspring 73 or other suitable biasing means disposed in a downwardlyopening cylindrical recess 74 within the lever member 22. The springmeans 73 thrusting upwardly against the top wall of the recess 74 aswell as downwardly against the upper surface of the slide block 26.Another spring means 33 or other suitable biasing means is providedwhich cooperates. between the slide block 26 and the forward wall 20a ofthe block member 20. Preferably, the forward wall 20a has a recess 75therein which is coaxial with a similar recess 76 facing in the oppositedirection and provided in the slide block 26. The spring means 33 thusbears between the end wall of the recess 75 and the end wall of therecess 76 and normally urges the slide block 26 to the left as shown inFIG. 2 to a position in which its left end face abuts against the innerface of the recess 67. The spring means '73, in a similar manner,normally urges the lever member 22 clockwise about fulcrum 23, as shown.

By reference to the drawings, it will be noted that the passageway 41communicates with the channel passageway 42, and in turn through thebore 42a with the channel passageway 46. The passageway 46 alsocommunicates through the passageway 43 with the cylinder chamber definedby recess 49. Still further, the passageway 41 and the chamber definedby recess 49 are in communication through a passageway 52 in piston 28which has a nonreturn ball valve 50 therein, urged to closed position bya spring means 51. The ball valve is such that fluid entering the inlet40 of piston 28 and passing through the passageway 41 cannot directlyenter the chamber defined by the recess 49; however, fluid from thechamber defined by the recess 49 can, as explained more fully below,pass the ball valve 50 and into the passageway 41 to the inlet coupling40.

When the clamping arrangement described above is in its initialposition, and fluid under pressure is not fed to the inlet coupling 40,the parts assume the position shown in FIGURE 2 with fixed slide controlpiston 71 closing passageway 43. However, when fluid under pressure isfed to the inlet coupling 46, the fluid passes through the passageway41, the channel 42, and the passageway 42a into the passageway 46. Suchfluid there bears against the forward end of the slide control piston 71and since this piston is stationarily fixed, the slide block 26 movesoutwardly of the recess 67, or to the right as shown in FIGURE 1. Withthis movement, communication between the passageway 41 and thepassageway 43 is established since there is movement of slide 26relative to piston 71 whereby piston 71 opens communication between thepassageway 46 and the passageway 43. With the opening of the passageway43, fluid is fed into the cylinder or recess 49, and bears against theupper face of the piston 28. At this time, it will be seen that theslide block 26 has been moved to a position where its forward edge abutsthe inner face of the wall 20a. The spring means 33 at the same time iscompressed. With passage of fluid into the chamber 49, and resultantdownward movement in the direction F of the piston 28, the stem 29thereof, through the nut head 69 bears on the lower face of the recess70 in the lever 22, thereby urging the lever counterclockwise andcompressing the spring 73 simultaneously therewith. The forwardprojection 34 of the lever 22, as shown, engages the lower end of adownwardly extending abutment member suitably secured to the mold 2, asby means of bolts 91 or the like.

Since the support block 20 is rigidly secured to the lower end ofsupport bolt 62, the tilting of the lever 22,

5 through the action of the piston means 28 and the resultant upwardhearing or thrust against abutment member 90, causes the mold parts 1and 2 to be effectively pressed or squeezed together through thereaction of the head 65 of the support bolt 64 on mold part 1 and theupper end of the abutment member 90 on mold part 2. Accordingly, withthis operation the parts 1 and 2 are effectively clamped in engagement.

Now, in accordance with my prior applications referred to above, theclamping operation is achieved by feeding fluid under pressure to theinlet coupling 40 from an external independently operable pressure fluidsource. In the instant invention this feeding operation is automaticallyachieved through means operable in response to centrifugal force, andpreferably intimately associated with the clamping means per se.

By reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, it will be noted that a bracket member100, preferably of right angle form, is fixed by any suitable means tothe support plate 31 and provided with a radially disposed, horizontallypositioned cylinder 102 having a piston chamber 102a. Disposed withinthe piston chamber 102a is a piston head 104, from which extends apiston rod 105. At its radially inward end (closest to the axis ofrotation), piston chamber 102a is suitably vented to the atmosphere by asmall vent passage 102). The rod slidably passes through a bore 106 inthe plate member 31 and terminates at a threaded end 107 threadablysecured in a threaded bore in the adjacent or left end of block member26, as shown. The piston head 10d, through its rod 105 and connectionswith the slide block 26, is movable with the slide block. The pistoncylinder 102 has an inlet and outlet coupling 110 to piston chamber 102aand this coupling is connected with the inlet coupling 40 of theclamping means by a flexible conduit 112.

All of the piston means as shown, and all of the slidable connectionswhere necessary, in accordance With conventional practice, includerings, or the like, of the sealing type to prevent the leakage of anyfluid within the system. Various types of seals can be provided and the0 rings are merely illustrated as exemplary of the type of sealingarrangements which are satisfactory.

Now, having explained the overall construction, attention can bedirected to the automatic operation achieved in accordance with theinstant invention. When the machine is set for operation, the parts 1and 2 are relatively moved into engagement with one another, in anysuitable manner and/or any suitable means, although preferably under nosubstantially great pressure. Thereafter, the shaft 5 is caused torotate through the drive arrangement of belt 8 and pulley 7 and theparts 1 and 2 likewise rotated. Due to the described supportingarrangement of the clamping means and the auxiliary cylinder housing102, the clamp means and auxiliary housing rotate with the parts 1 and2. With rotation, and in accordance with the basic laws of physics,centrifugal force is exerted on the slide means comprised by block 26 inthe direction F (FIGURE 1). With the exertion of centrifugal force onthe slide block 26, the same is urged to the right as shown, or in thedirection F and movement of the slide block 26 in a direction outwardlyof the recess 67 starts. Movement of the slide block 26 causescorresponding movement of the piston head 104 (moved by centrifugalforce also) by virtue of the coupling provided therebetween through thepis ton stem or rod 105. Thus, as the speed of rotation increases, andthe centrifugal force correspondingly increases, the slide block 26moves to the right, and the piston head 104 also moves to the right,toward the radially outer or forward wall 1020 of the piston cylinder102a. Movement of the piston 104 toward the wall 1020 compresses thefluid within the space 118 between the forward face 104a of piston 104and the wall 102a. This fluid under pressure passes through the flexiblecoupling 112 and to the inlet coupling 40 of slide piston 28 therebyforcing fluid under pressure into the passageway 41, the passageway 42,and the passageway 42a and in bearing relation against the head orradially outer end of the slide control piston 71. Accordingly, thefluid under pressure acts in additive relation to the centrifugal forceurging the slide block 26 outwardly of the recess 67 into a positioncompressing the spring 33, as shown, (FIGURE 1).

The centrifugal force exerted on the slide block, and correspondingly onthe piston head 104 is proportional to the weight of the slide block 26and the speed of rotation, centrifugal force being defined by theformula:

In the above formula, F equals the centrifugal force, M equals theweight of the slide block 26, V equals the velocity ofrotation, and Requals the radius, or mean radius of rotation of the slide block. Ofcourse, allowance must be made for friction and the like but since thefrictional action is constant, and the weight of the slide is constant,the only variables are the mean radius of rotation R and the speed ofrotation or velocity. As the slide block 26 moves outwardly of therecess 67, the radius of rotation increases only minimally, and a meanvalue therefor can be accepted. Thus, with an increase in the speed ofrotation, the centrifugal force increases substantially, proportionallythereto, and the fluid in the space between the forward face 104a ofpiston 104- and the inner wall 102a of the cylinder housing 102 iscompressed to a maximum value. With this compression the fluid ismaintained under a substantial pressure and this pressure is exerted,with movement of the slide block 26 in the direction F on the upper faceof the piston 28, thereby urging the piston downwardly and causingtilting of the lever 22 in the manner described above.

From the preceding description, it should be apparent that the provisionof the auxiliary piston and cylinder means including the piston chamber102a or housing 102 and the piston head 10 1 which is directly coupledwith the slide block 26 through its rod or stem 105, permits automaticpressure application with rotation of the machine on which the inventionis used. The automatic application of pressure results from the actionof the centrifugal force in causing the slide block to move outwardlyfrom the axis of rotation, as well as from the arrangement wherein thefluid is acted on by centrifugal force and compressed within the housingor chamber 102a.

Now after the fluid under pressure has been exerted on the piston 28 inthe manner explained and the parts have been maintained in engagementfor a sufficient period, quite naturally it is desired to end theclamping operation, and permit opening of the cavity 3 so as to removethe formed or molded component therefrom. When the rotation of the parts1 and 2 stops, or in effect when the machine stops, there is no longerany centrifugal force acting on the slide block 26. As a result, thepiston head 104 is not urged toward the cylinder wall 1020 underpressure. Accordingly, the spring or other means 73 which urges thelever 22 clockwise about its fulcrum shaft 23 starts tilting the lever22 in the clockwise direction which moves the piston 28 upwardly. Thisnaturally exerts a pressure on the fluid in the cylinder or recess 49,but the pressure of this fluid unseats the ball valve 50 and the fluidflows therepast and thence through the inlet coupling 41 and flexibleconnection or hose 112 into the cylinder chamber 102a of the housing102. The spring 73 thus initially results in expulsion of fluid from thechamber 49 and the return thereof to the auxiliary piston and chambermeans 102a, or specifically, to the space 118 between the face 104a ofpiston 104 and wall 1020 of the piston chamber or housing 102. When thelever 22 has been tilted to its original position by the action of thespring 73, or simultaneously with this tilt ing, the spring means 33exerts its return force on the slide block 26. The return force exertedon the slide block 26 causes the slide block 26 to move to its initialposition, i.e., from the position shown in FIGURE 1 toward the positionshown in FIGURE 2, and this results in fluid in the passageway 46 beingplaced under pressure. Placing such fluid under pressure, results indraining thereof through the passageway 42a and the passageway 41 to theinlet coupling 40, and from the inlet coupling 4-0 through the flexibleconnection 112 to the auxiliary piston and chamber housing 1G2. Thus,the springs 73 and 33 serve to provide an automatic return of thecomponents to their original positions once operation is stopped. Withreturn of the components to their original positions, the abutment faceor edge 34 of the lever, and the underlying position of the slide block26 are moved out of abutting alignment with the abutment member Ml. Theabutment member 90 is thus free of the clamping arrangement whereby tofree the mold part 2 for movement relative to mold part 1, and permitremoval of the formed or molded component from the mold cavity 3.

It is of course to be understood, that to obtain proper balance in thecentrifuge and desired circumferential clamping of the moldingcomponents 1 and 2, the centrifugally operated clamping mechanism hereindisclosed may be either duplicated at opposite sides of centrifuge shaft5 or at as many equally circumferentially spaced positions of the moldparts 1 and 2, as may be found expedient, depending on such factors assize, molding materials, and the pressure power required, etc.

Moreover, it is to be further understood that the specific hydraulicallyactuated clamping mechanism disclosed in my co-pending applicationSerial Number 260,508 filed June 29, 1962, may be substituted for thatwhich is herein disclosed without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

After reading the foregoing detailed description of the illustrative andpreferred embodiments of the instant invention presented in the annexeddrawings, it should be apparent that the objects set forth have beensuccessfully achieved. Various modifications, other than thosespecifically suggested may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art,and accordingly, I do not limit myself to such details except asrequired by the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of controlling hydraulically operable clamp meansmaintaining rotatable members in engagement, comprising the steps ofrotating said clamp means with said members, rotating a fluid powermeans with said members thereby placing fluid under pressureindependently of any external source of power through centrifugal forcedeveloped by rotation of said members, and feeding said fluid to saidrotating clamp means to press said rotatable members into engagementwith each other.

2. A method of controlling a hydraulically operable clamp meansmaintaining rotatable members in engagement, and including slidable jawmeans and fluid power means rotatable with said members, comprising thesteps of continually yieldably urging said jaw means in a retracteddirection, compressing fluid under pressure in said fluid power meansindependently of any external source of power through centrifugal forcedeveloped by rotation of said fluid power means, and directing saidfluid in said clamp means to slide said jaw means in an advance clampingdirection opposite said retracted direction, said fluid power meansgenerating its own power to automatically feed said clamp means.

3. A method of controlling hydraulically operable clamp means formaintaining rotatable members in engagement, and including slidable jawmeans rotatable with said members and fulcrumed lever means carried bysaid jaw means, comprising the steps of continuously urging said jawmeans in a retracted direction, compressing fluid under pressure throughcentrifugal force developed by rotation of said members, applying saidfluid to said jaw means in said clamp means to slide said jaw means in aclamping direction opposite said retracted direction, and

applying the pressure of the same fluid to said lever means 5 to pivotthe same into clamping position.

4. Apparatus for clamping separable parts rotatable about an axis inengagement, comprising support means rotatable with said parts, slidemeans on said support means slidable transversely of the axis ofrotation of said parts, fulcrum means on said slide means, a forcemultiplying lever pivotally mounted on said fulcrum means, first pistonand cylinder means cooperating between said support means and said slidemeans for sliding said slide means to an operative position, secondpiston and cylinder means cooperating between said slide means and saidlever for pivoting said lever to clamp said parts, auxiliary piston andcylinder means disposed transversely of said axis of rotation androtatable with said parts to utilize centrifugal force to increase thepressure of a fluid, and fluid coupling means for establishing operativefluid connection between all of said piston and cylinder means, suchthat the parts are clamped by utilizing the fluid from said auxiliarypiston and cylinder means.

5. Apparatus of the type described comprising, a pair of membersrotatable about a fixed axis, said members being relatively movabletoward and away from each other along said fixed axis, clamping meansoperated by fluid under pressure and rotatable with at least one of saidmembers to clamp said members together, said clamping means comprisingmeans powered by the centrifugal force created by the rotating parts andresponsive to such centrifugal force to apply pressure to said fluid toeffect actuation of said clamping means to clamp said members.

6. Apparatus of the type described, comprising a plurality of membersrotatable about a fixed axis and relatively movable therealong into andout of contact with each other, clamping means secured to and rotatablewith one of said members to clamp said members in engagement with eachother, said clamping means including fluid pressure-actuated means forengaging said other member, and means rotatable with said members andpowered by the centrifugal force created by the rotation of said membersto move said fluid pressure actuated means into engagement with saidother member.

'7. An automatic self-operated device for clamping separable andengageable parts rotatable about a given axis, comprising fluid operableclamping means for maintaining said parts in engagement and rotatabletherewith, piston and cylinder means disposed transversely of the axisof rotation of said parts and powered by the centrifugal force createdby the rotating parts for applying pressure to fluid in response torotation of said parts, means supporting said piston and cylinder meansand said clamping means for rotation with said parts, and fluid conduitmeans operatively connecting said piston and cylinder means to saidclamping means to apply fluid under pressure to the latter means toclamp said parts.

8. An automatic self-operated clamping device, comprising a plurality ofmembers rotatable about an axis and relatively movable therealong intoand out of engagement, clamping means rotatable with said members toclamp the latter, and fluid power means rotatable with said members andpowered by the centrifugal force created by the rotation of saidmembers, said fluid power means being operably connected to saidclamping means to move the latter into engagement with said members,said fluid power means being self-feeding to automatically operate saidclamping means without requiring any outside source of power fluid.

9. A self-contained clamping device for clamping and releasing separableand engageable parts rotatable about an axis, comprising clamping meansrotatable with said parts to clamp the latter, fluid power meansrotatable with said parts utilizing the centrifugal force generated bysaid rotating parts and operable independently of any external powersupply to increase the pressure of the fluid, conduit means providingcommunication between said fluid power means and said clamping means,said clamping means further comprising control means operable to receivesaid fluid under pressure from said fluid power means to sequentiallymove said clamping means into an operating position and thereafterutilizing said fluid under pressure to clamp said parts.

10. A self-contained clamping device for clamping and releasingseparable and engageable members rotatable about an axis, comprisingclamping means rotatable with said members and operated by fluid underpressure to clamp said members, fluid actuated means rotatable with saidmembers and utilizing the centrifugal force created by the rotatingmembers and operable independently of any external power supply tooperate the clamping means, said clamping means comprising a housing anda slide means slidable therein in a direction radially of said axis,said clamping means further comprising a power operated lever carried onsaid slide means, said slide means being responsive to fluid underpressure from said fluid actuated means to slide in said housing to anoperable position where said lever is operable to clamp said members.

11. An automatic self-contained clamping device for clamping andreleasing a pair of members rotatable about an axis and relativelymovable toward and away from each other along said axis, comprisingclamping means actuated by fluid under pressure and rotatable with saidmembers to clamp the latter, means rotating with said members andresponsive to centrifugal force to utilize the latter to supply fluidunder pressure to said clamping means, said clamping means comprising aslide mounting a lever, and a fluid control circuit means operable topivot said lever to clamp said parts after having operated said slide tomove the lever into a clamping position.

12. In an apparatus comprising separable and engageable membersrotatable about an axis, one of said members being fixedly mounted on ashaft rotatable about said axis, clamping means powered by thecentrifugal force created by the rotating members to clamp said members,said clamping means comprising a housing and means mounting said housingon said other rotatable member, said mounting means depending from saidhousing and extending through an aperture means in said one memher tosaid other member, said clamping means further comprising slide meansradially slidable with said housing relative to said shaft, saidclamping means being mounted for movement into engagement with said onemember to effect the clamping engagement of said members.

13. In an apparatus comprising separable and engageable parts rotatableabout an axis, clamping means rotatable with said parts and movble intoan operative position to clamp said parts, piston and cylinder meansdisposed transversely of the axis of rotation of said parts, the lastsaid means being mounted for rotation with said parts and being operableto utilize centrifugal force to increase the pressure of the fluid inresponse to rotation of said parts, conduit means communicating saidpiston and cylinder means with said clamping means, said clamping meanscomprising a power operable slide means mounting a power operated levermeans, and a fluid control circuit operable to sequentially receivefluid from said piston and cylinder means to actuate said power operableslide means to move the clamping means into said operative position andthereafter activate said power operated lever means to cause the latterto clamp said parts.

14. An automatic self-operated clamping device comprising separable andengageable members rotatable about an axis, fluid actuated meansrotatable with said members and powered by the centrifugal force createdby the rotating members to supply fluid under pressure, clamping meanscomprising a housing and a slide means slidable therein, fulcrum meanscarried by said slide means, lever 10 means pivotally mounted on saidfulcrum means, first power means coupled between said slide means andsaid lever means for pivoting said lever means about said fulcrum means,second power means to move said slide means from a retracted to anoperative position relative to said members, and fluid circuit meanscommunicating said fluid actuated means with said first and second powermeans after said slide means has moved to said operative position.

15. In an apparatus comprising separable and engageable structuresrotatable about an axis, one of said structures being mounted on a shaftrotatable about said axis, said one structure having an aperturetherein, clamping means powered by the centrifugal force created by therotating structures to clamp the latter, said clamping means comprisinga housing and means mounting said housing on said other rotatablestructure, said mounting means extending from said housing through saidaperture to said other structure to effect simultaneous andcorresponding rotation of both structures when said shaft is rotated,said clamping means being mounted for movement into engagement with saidother structure to eifect the clamping engagement of said structures.

16. A self contained device for clamping and releasing comprisingseparable and engageable members rotatable about an axis, clamping meansrotatable with said members to clamp the latter in engagement with eachother, fluid pressure actuated means powered by the centrifugal forcecreated by the rotation of said members to supply fluid under pressureto said clamping means, said clamping means comprising a slide housing,slide means therein slidable in a direction radially of said axisbetween nonclamping and clamping positions, a force multiplying clampinglever pivotally mounted on said slide means, said slide means and saidlever being sequentially acted upon by the fluid from the fluid pressureactuated means when said members are rotated about said axis to movesaid slide means into clamping position and said clamping lever intoclamping engagement with one of said members.

17. In an apparatus comprising a pair of members rotatable about anaxis, said members being relatively movable toward and away from eachother along said axis, clamping means operated by fluid under pressureand rotatable with said members to clamp said members together, fluidpower means powered by the centrifugal force created by the rotatingparts and responsive to such centrifugal force to apply fluid underpressure to said clamping means to effect actuation of the latter toclamp said members, said fluid power means being mounted on a shaftrotatable about said axis, one of said rotatable members being fixedlymounted on said shaft, said fluid power means comprising a housing andmeans mounting said housing on said other rotatable member, saidmounting means depending from said housing through an aperture means insaid one member to effect simultaneous rotation of both members whensaid shaft is rotated, slide means radially slidable within said housingrelative to said shaft, said slide means being mounted for movement intoengagement with said one member to effect clamping engagement of saidmembers.

18. Apparatus for clamping separable rotating parts, comprising supportmeans rotatable with said parts, slide means on said support meansslidable radially of the axis of rotation of said parts, fulcrum meanson said slide means, a force multiplying lever pivotally mounted on saidfulcrum means, first piston and cylinder means cooperating between saidsupport means and said slide means for sliding said slide means so thatthe lever mounted thereon is moved into an operating position in whichsubsequent pivoting thereof will clamp said parts, second piston andcylinder means cooperating between said slide means and said lever forpivoting said lever to clamp said parts, third cylinder and piston meanscarried on said support means and disposed transversely of said axis ofrotation, an auxiliary piston therefor fixed to said slide 1 l 1 2 meansand operable in response to rotation of said parts References Cited bythe Examiner to increase tliepressure of the fluid, first fluid couplingUNITED STATES PATENTS means establishing an operative fluid connectloribetween said third cylinder and piston means and said first piston25121071 6/1950 9 and cylinder means, and second fluid coupling means 52,526,918 10/1950 wflbfa'rschled 18*50 X sequentially establishing anoperative fluid connection 21569863 10/1951 Monn 22 92 between saidfirst piston and cylinder means and said 21988778 6/1961 glaze at 18*30second piston and cylinder means such that the latter is 3,068,53812/1962 Lmder operable to pivot said lever after the first cylinder andpiston means has slid said lever into said operating 10 SPENCEROVERHOLSER Exammer' position. ALEXANDER H. BRODMERKEL, Examiner.

2. A METHOD OF CONTROLLING A HYDRAULICALLY OPERABLE CLAMP MEANSMAINTAINING ROTATABLE MEMBERS IN ENGAGEMENT, AND INCLUDING SLIDABLE JAWMEANS AND FLUID POWER MEANS ROTATABLE WITH SAID MEMBERS, COMPRISING THESTEPS OF CONTINUALLY YIELDABLY URGING SAID JAW MEANS IN A RETRACTEDDIRECTION, COMPRESSING FLUID UNDER PRESSURE IN SAID FLUID POWER MEANSINDEPENDENTLY OF ANY EXTERNAL SOURCE OF POWER THROUGH CENTRIFUGAL FORCEDEVELOPED BY ROTATION OF SAID FLUID POWER MEANS, AND DIRECTING SAIDFLUID IN SAID CLAMP MEANS TO SLIDE SAID JAW MEANS IN AN ADVANCE CLAMPINGDIRECTION OPPOSITE SAID RETRACTED DIRECTION, SAID FLUID POWER MEANSGENERATING ITS OWN POWER TO AUTOMATICALLY FEED SAID CLAMP MEANS. 4.APPARATUS FOR CLAMPING SEPARABLE PARTS ROTATABLE ABOUT AN AXIS INENGAGEMENT, COMPRISING SUPPORT MEANS ROTATABLE WITH SAID PARTS, SLIDEMEANS ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS SLIDABLE TRANSVERSELY OF THE AXIS OFROTATION OF SAID PARTS, FULCRUM MEANS ON SAID SLIDE MEANS, A FORCEMULTIPLYING LEVER PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID FULCRUM MEANS, FIRST PISTONAND CYLINDER MEANS COOPERATING BETWEEN SAID SUPPORT MEANS AND SAID SLIDEMEANS FOR SLIDING SAID SLIDE MEANS TO AN OPERATIVE POSITION, SECONDPISTON AND CYLINDER MEANS COOPERATING BETWEEN SAID SLIDE MEANS AND SAIDLEVER FOR PIVOTING SAID LEVER TO CLAMP SAID PARTS, AUXILIARY PISTON ANDCYLINDER MEANS DISPOSED TRANSVERSELY OF SAID AXIS OF ROTATION ANDROTATABLE WITH SAID PARTS OF UTILIZE CENTRIFUGAL FORCE TO INCREASE THEPRESSURE OF A FLUID, AND FLUID COUPLING MEANS FOR ESTABLISHING OPERATIVEFLUID CON-